April is Community Pubs Month and CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has marked the occasion by publishing its list of more than 200 local pubs of the year, as voted for by members of its many branches.

The organisation wants people to support their local watering hole at a time when it says 29 pubs are being lost in the UK every week.

Its research shows 75% of pub-goers believe a well-run boozer can play as big a role in community life as a post office, local shop or community centre.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA's head of communications, said: "Pubs play an essential role in our communities and are clearly very highly valued, but despite this are still being lost at an alarming rate across the UK.

"The best way people can protect their local's future is by getting down there and supporting it – which is why throughout April CAMRA will be calling on people to visit their local pub and support an important British industry."

With this in mind, getwestlondon spoke to the landlords at west London's three local pubs of the year to find out a bit more about what makes them so special.

The Grosvenor only opened a year ago after a major refurbishment by new owners Food & Fuel, who run 13 pubs across west London.

Its 27 draft beers and many more bottled varieties have pulled in the punters but its success is down to much more than the drink.

Monthly jazz nights, a quiz night every Monday and regular events like its beer festival this weekend (held from April 10-12), featuring live music from Gonzo and Stone, are all part of the attractions.

The food's not bad either, with a regularly changing menu based on seasonal ingredients and including a number of pub classics.

Assistant manager Jade Harrison said: "Before the makeover the pub wasn't very well looked after but we gave it a big refurb and tried to make it a destination beer pub.

"I'm a big beer drinker and I'll travel all the way to east London to get a good brew. Getting the CAMRA award meant a lot to us because it meant customers liked the beer here as much as we do."

The Grosvenor, now managed by Hugh Rowberry, was originally opened in 1901 by the Royal Brewery in Brentford, but was converted to a pub three years later.

The temperance movement to tackle drunkenness meant the brewery had to surrender its licence on three existing premises to get the go-ahead.

Frank Davis, former managing director of Brentford FC and vice chairman of the FA, was landlord at The Grosvenor during the 1930s.

Asked the secret of the pub's survival against the odds, Ms Harrison said it was "all about loving what you do".

"It's about being really enthusiastic about hospitality and making sure when people come through the door for the first time they want to keep coming back," she added.

The Mad Bishop & Bear, Paddington Station (West London CAMRA pub of the year)

A haven of peace amid the bustling station, this pub only opened 15 years ago but has quickly built up a loyal band of regulars.

General manager Helen Wilson, who opened the pub and returned to take the reins again four years ago after a break to have children, said it was very different to most station pubs.

"When people come into a railway pub you often expect fairly robotic, disinterested service, but we always make sure we employ staff who are friendly and enthusiastic," she said.

About 60% of the clientele are regulars, according to Ms Wilson, including those enjoying a post work pint to avoid the rush-hour crush on the trains. But the pub also enjoys a fair amount of passing trade from those heading off to big gatherings around the country.

"We get people stopping on their way to and from all manner of events, from Henley to Glastonbury, and we get stag dos starting the night here and couples enjoying a drink before heading off on a romantic weekend break," said Ms Wilson. "I used to work in a pub at Heathrow and I think a transport hub is such a happy place to be. Even when people are unhappy about their train being delayed they're glad they've got a nice pub to go to."

The pub was a boardroom before being converted by Fuller's and the modernistic entrance on the station's first-floor belies the traditional, ornate interior, with its tiled floor, marble topped bar and coved ceiling adorned with gold trimming and even a chandelier.

As for the unusual name, the 'bear' part is obvious and the 'mad bishop' refers to the cleric who authorised the sale of the church's land to the Great Western Railway for a nominal fee. The story goes that he must have been mad to virtually give the land away given its future value.

Owner Mick Laker, who has run the hostelry for three years, said it was "terrific" to be named CAMRA's local pub of the year.

As well as the beer, he believes it is the traditional feel of the cosy watering hole, where the decor includes exposed beams, a working fireplace and a bell to ring last orders, which makes it so special.

"It's very traditional and it's got a great atmosphere, which the customers provide," he said.

The Rifleman's earliest known mention comes from 1870, but Mr Laker said he believed it may be older.

Punters can enjoy traditional pursuits like dominoes, crib and backgammon, as well as more modern amenities like wi-fi and Sky TV. They can also soak up the summer sun in its beer garden or head down to the lively open mic night it hosts every Thursday at 9pm.

Mick Laker (second right) accepts the CAMRA local pub of the year award for The Rifleman from (far right) Charles Owens, Hounslow and Richmond CAMRA branch chairman

The pub's sign was replaced in 2012 to pay homage to the remarkable courage of a local First World War hero, Frank Edwards.

He was one of the London Irish Rifles who kicked a football as they advanced on the German trenches in the face of heavy enemy fire in the Battle of Loos.

"He thought it would be a good idea to kick footballs to take the men's minds off the fact they were probably going to die," said Mr Laker.

Asked the secret of his success amid the demise of so many other pubs, he replied that it was important to focus on the basics.

"If you keep your ales right and the ambiance right you can still do well," he said.